600 mile service, and a bit of a rant.....

[peanut_man]

Question about the 600 mile service.  If I change the oil myself, what oil should I use so that the dealer can't claim that I did it wrong? 

I'm also trying to minimize the first service cost.  Honestly I really need the dealer to just turn off that annoying service indicator.  Looking at the service manual, there's no valve check for the M696 at 600 miles service.  So it's more or less just chain tension check and adjustment, bolt / fastener torque checks, oil change and reset the service indicator.

Thanks.

[ducatiz]

Question about the 600 mile service.  If I change the oil myself, what oil should I use so that the dealer can't claim that I did it wrong? 

I'm also trying to minimize the first service cost.  Honestly I really need the dealer to just turn off that annoying service indicator.  Looking at the service manual, there's no valve check for the M696 at 600 miles service.  So it's more or less just chain tension check and adjustment, bolt / fastener torque checks, oil change and reset the service indicator.

Thanks.

a reputable, full synthetic 10w40 with a "4T" rating.

I use Mobil1 4T (formerly MX4T)

if you are in a hot climate, i.e. above 100 frequently, you can use a heavier weight 15w50.  Mobil also makes one, called Mobil1 Vtwin. 

There are plenty of other good brands, just make sure it's a) full synthetic and b) rated for 4T / JASO /etc

I get Mobil1 4t at Advance auto for $9/qt

[hcomp]

This may have been said, but I have a lot of experience with Brembo brakes.  The bad news is they all pretty much squeak and make really annoying noise.  That includes the massively expensive Bentley GT.  The pad compound they use is fairly aggressive and is prone to noise.  It is normal, and does not mean there is something wrong. From my experience even if you sand the pads the sound will eventually come back. It is one of the quirks of Brembo. They are still one of the best brakes money can buy auto or motorcycle.

[mitt]

You can turn off the Maint indicator I think - at least on older bikes.  Someone with a 696 could chime in.

mitt

[Porsche Monkey]

This may have been said, but I have a lot of experience with Brembo brakes.  The bad news is they all pretty much squeak and make really annoying noise.  That includes the massively expensive Bentley GT.  The pad compound they use is fairly aggressive and is prone to noise.  It is normal, and does not mean there is something wrong. From my experience even if you sand the pads the sound will eventually come back. It is one of the quirks of Brembo. They are still one of the best brakes money can buy auto or motorcycle.

Same thing with Porsches.  Brembos OEM and they are noisy if you drive em with a soft foot.  We just take em around the block and give a few good hard stops and they shut up. 

And Crankmonster, What the make the beast with two backs is your deal?

[herm]

Question about the 600 mile service.  If I change the oil myself, what oil should I use so that the dealer can't claim that I did it wrong? 

I'm also trying to minimize the first service cost.  Honestly I really need the dealer to just turn off that annoying service indicator.  Looking at the service manual, there's no valve check for the M696 at 600 miles service.  So it's more or less just chain tension check and adjustment, bolt / fastener torque checks, oil change and reset the service indicator.

Thanks.

ducati should honor warranty if you do the oil change. just make sure and use quality oil/filter, and keep the receipts.  here is the link for how to turn the service light off for the 696 make sure and run around the bike and check for stuff that should not be loose as well.  if you are mechanically inclined, this will save you some money. OTOH, if you lack the tools or the comfort to do this, its worth getting the bike into a shop so that they can give it a once over. just make sure that they understand your expectation on that.

[rizduc]

So today I went to my shop where I got the bike to get something gear related taken care of. I went to talk to the shop manager while I was there to price out my 600 mile service as I am getting close and also to ask about the brake noise that I posted about previously. He quoted me $250 after tax. Does that sound about right to you folks? Is there anything I could/should/shouldn't do myself to bring the cost down? Then I asked about doing the front sprocket at the same time. $100!! Many people on here were saying they were just paying for the part when they had it in and this guy wants to charge me part and labor. I have not seen a how to on changing the sprocket on the 696 so if anyone can I would like to take a look. Thanks!

Now for my rant.... (Yeah that was just warm up)..... so I asked about the brakes. The guy says, very matter-of-factly, yeah, some of them do that..... then advised me I can take the pads off and try sanding them down ::shrug:: I am not very mechanical and this is a BRAND NEW BIKE! I shouldn't have to do anything to make it work properly! It just should, and to me, loudly schreeching brakes means something is not right....


To make matters worse, I had to run out for wife last night and as I am getting on/off the bike (so mad I can't remember which) and I barely hit the rear blinker with my foot and it breaks off!! What cheap crap are they using on these bikes? There is no way due to the position of the exhaust to get a solid hit on the blinker so it is clear it had to be a glancing blow.... waiting on response from dealer to see what they can do for me.... So angry right now....

Hi, Just had my 600 mile service for my 2009 696.  $325 from Ducati NYC.  I knew there was a service bullitine recall about wires, plus they hopefully checked everything on the bike.  I've had no issues with her.. knock on wood.

[RUFKM]

For the 14t change it's an additional job for the dealer so it's only fair they be compensated for the work they do.  I hope you get paid for what you do as well.  I would suggest you take it on as a DIY project before your shop service so they will adjust chain tension properly after you do.  One less thing to worry if you got it right.

Sorry to hear about your signal mishap.  You should be able to find plenty replacements cheap form the guys who replace them via mods.  Just check the "Parts for Sale" posts.